OverviewPosition:

Head of Security and Personal Protection

Reports to:

Group CEO / Board of Directors

Location:

UK Wide - mainly based from Leeds

Employment Type:

Full-time, Permanent

About YDS GroupYDS Group is a dynamic, fast-growing organisation with diverse business interests and a portfolio of high-value sites. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence, risk management, and duty of care for our people, assets, and partners. As part of our continued growth, we are seeking an experienced and highly professional

Head of Security and Personal Protection

to oversee all aspects of group security, risk and insurance management, while also providing personal protection services to senior leadership.

Role OverviewThis is a

dual-role position

combining leadership of YDS Group’s overall security strategy with

personal bodyguard responsibilities

for the Group CEO and/or other senior executives. The successful candidate will ensure the protection of people, property, and reputation, manage insurance and risk exposures (with particular expertise in UK building insurances and regulations), and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and security standards.

Key Responsibilities

Executive and Personal Protection : Provide personal bodyguard services to the Group CEO and senior leadership, ensuring their safety and privacy at all times.

Threat and Risk Assessments : Conduct threat and risk assessments for executive movements, events, and international travel.

Security Presence : Maintain a discreet yet effective presence, with full situational awareness.

Security Strategy and Leadership : Develop and implement a comprehensive security and risk management strategy across YDS Group.

Team and Vendor Leadership : Lead, train, and manage internal security staff and external providers.

Site and Asset Security : Oversee the security of high-value sites and assets across the Group.

Insurance and Risk Management : Manage all insurance policies and claims for the Group, including specialist UK building insurances.

Compliance and Regulations : Ensure compliance with UK building regulations and risk requirements to maintain adequate cover.

External Relations : Act as the primary liaison with insurers, brokers, and regulators.

Legal and Compliance : Maintain knowledge of UK security laws, private security licensing (SIA), and data protection regulations; ensure operations comply with legislation and industry standards; prepare reports and risk assessments for the Board.

Operational Security : Oversee physical security systems and measures across high-value sites, including access control, surveillance, and incident response; conduct regular site audits and lead crisis management, emergency planning, and business continuity protocols.

Candidate Profile

Extensive experience in close protection / personal bodyguarding (ideally at corporate or UHNW level).

Strong track record in leading corporate security functions, with responsibility for multiple high-value sites.

Detailed knowledge of UK building insurance policies and compliance with building regulations.

Comprehensive understanding of UK security law, regulatory frameworks, and SIA requirements.

Excellent leadership, organisational, and crisis management skills.

Discretion, integrity, and ability to operate at board and executive level.

Accredited qualifications in close protection, corporate security, or risk management.

Experience in liaising with law enforcement, insurers, and regulators.

Military, police, or government protective services background.

Competitive executive-level salary and performance bonus

Comprehensive insurance and benefits package

Access to professional training and development

Opportunity to work within a high-profile, fast-growing group with significant responsibility

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

General Business

Industries

Retail Health and Personal Care Products

We’ve removed extraneous boilerplate and kept only the essential job information to ensure clarity and focus for applicants.

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